By H.E. Archbishop Nikitas · President of the Conference of European Churches
The past decades have allowed for people of different and various cultures, identities, and expressions of life to come together and break down the barriers that have separated them for years and even centuries. This is also true in the area of religious and faith traditions. Religious leaders now gather and sit at a common table and look to learn from one another and seek sol utions to the growing problems of the world in a spirit of solidarity. Dialogue and the exchange of ideas are now a firm part of the life of religious communities.
In this new and growing movement, the Eastern Orthodox Church, especially the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has taken great strides to show the world that we can live and work together in a spirit of harmony.
In the United Kingdom, following the directives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain has taken a leading role in working with other religious bodies to share from the wealth of its spiritual tradition, as well as to learn and join in the many programs that address the needs of society. While Orthodoxy is firmly rooted in the Christian understanding and meaning of truth, it finds parallel thought and expressions in other religious and philosophical traditions, including that of Buddhism. This may seem strange to many people but the following brief comments and words will offer some food for thought.
Eastern Orthodoxy uses the expression and term “theosis” to describe the purpose of the spiritual struggle. In the Orthodox understanding of spiritual struggle and growth, it is not important to know about God; rather, it is critical to become “god-like” and unite oneself to God. While the tradition of Buddhism does not speak of a god, the following words and patterns will certainly seem familiar to many Buddhists. As human knowledge and understanding are limited and finite, it is impossible for one to come to know and grasp the infinite. The self and the ego must be put to side just as the heart must be emptied, so Truth can abide there. The following line from the Book of Proverbs is a clear understanding of this – “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). It is the heart and the soul which must struggle and ascend the ladder of spiritual progress and growth. This is a long process of cleansing and emptying of preconceived ideas and thoughts brought about by obedience, silence and sacrifice. The mind, logic and reason, though, cannot understand nor grasp the glory of God, for the created is unable to approach the Creator. This is why one can understand that he/she must move beyond the limits set by so many obstacles in life. Pride, the ego, greed, hatred and so many other vices and evil thoughts are set to the side.
Orthodox believe that the “prayer of the heart”, more commonly known as the Jesus Prayer, assists in this spiritual struggle. One repeats the prayer and focuses only on the name of Jesus. Assisted by breathing and other measures such as silence, incense and a prayer rope, the individual invites grace and peace into his/her life with the hope that he/she might be changed and transfigured and achieve his/her true calling.
While these practices are best defined and experienced in a monastic setting, they are also found in the daily life of the faithful. If one were to remove Christian terminology, the pattern, means and expression seem almost Buddhist. In fact, studies have been conducted to examine the parallels in the two traditions concerning monasticism and spiritual growth. Parallels to the Orthodox monastic virtues of fasting, vigilance and prayer can also certainly be found in the Buddhist rites.
These expressions of prayer, solitude, silence and spiritual struggle need to be explored, shared and studied. This is only a brief introduction and further dialogue and open doors and hearts, will allow for this.
About the author
Archbishop Nikitas is coordinator of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Task Force on Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery, and has served as chairman of the Patriarchate’s Committee on Youth as well as co-chair and steering committee member of the Elijah Inter-faith Foundation. He is currently co-president of the European Catholic-Orthodox Forum.
This article first appeared in EBU Magazine #13 – Buddhism & Modern Europe (Winter 2024). Download the full issue as PDF or browse all issues.